Mar. 1, 2024 Kindred Speakers: Phillis Thompson

“Parenting for the Long Game”

We may have an idea of who we want our children to become as adults when we stop to think about it, but it’s so many years in the future. Right now there are diapers to change, meals to cook, homework to monitor, sibling disagreements to referee! Phyllis helped us explore some ideas and practical tips of small steps we can take with younger children now to help them build the character and resilience they will need as young adults.

Phyllis Thompson, LCSW, is a recently retired school social worker, who focused on students with significant disabilities and supporting their families. Previous areas of her career include child abuse prevention and marriage and family therapy.

She has been active in her church’s children’s ministry teaching program and has facilitated parenting classes both in the church and local community for over 20 years. Phyllis loves playing games, facilitating intergenerational interaction, and traveling with her husband, Curt.  Phyllis and Curt are the parents of two adult children and live in Arlington, VA.